The Moment I Learned My Influence by Zariah

The Moment I Learned My Influence by Zariah - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

In 2022, I hosted my first pop-up event for my skincare and cosmetics business. At the time, I was nervous and unsure if I could actually manage everything—setting up my products, speaking confidently to customers, and handling unexpected challenges. But once the event started, I realized I had a hidden strength: the ability to market myself and connect with people in a way that could influence their decisions.

One moment stands out. A customer approached my table asking detailed questions about my products. I felt my nerves rising, but instead of freezing, I explained my products clearly, shared tips for their use, and even suggested personalized routines. By the end of our conversation, she left smiling with several products. That moment showed me that I could communicate value, engage others authentically, and make an impact through my approach. I had discovered a strength I didn’t know I had: the ability to present myself and my work confidently in a way that attracted interest and inspired trust.

Since that event, this strength has influenced how I approach my business every day. I’ve learned how to market myself on social media, create content that grabs attention, and build engagement that turns into sales. I know now that going viral isn’t just luck—it’s about understanding your audience, presenting yourself authentically, and connecting in ways that inspire action. That single pop-up event taught me how to take my ideas and make them visible, compelling, and profitable.

Discovering this strength has shaped my goals and growth beyond business, too. It gave me the confidence to take on challenges in school, leadership opportunities, and personal projects, knowing that I can influence outcomes through creativity, strategy, and communication. What started as a moment of uncertainty in 2022 turned into a lifelong lesson about resilience, self-belief, and the power of marketing yourself effectively.

In the end, that pop-up event didn’t just teach me about selling products—it taught me how to discover and use my strengths to create opportunities, inspire others, and move boldly toward my goals. It showed me that even in moments of uncertainty, I have the skills and confidence to turn challenges into success.